Enhancing cancer therapy: The potential of mercaptopurine-based nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery

6-Mercaptopurine is a medication employed to treat autoimmune illnesses and cancer. However, due to its poor solubility, quick metabolism, and possible side effects, it is not very effective. With advantages like better bioavailability, increased drug stability, and targeted deliveries, nanomaterials have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery. This article addresses the possibility of treating cancer with nanomaterials based on mercaptopurine. Scientists have investigated a variety of cancer treatments, including the use of mercaptopurine, since the disease is one of the leading causes of death in the globe. The medication has been tested as an adjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer and has been shown to cause remission in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Due to their capacity to boost drug uptake by cancer cells, protect it from degradation, and lessen toxicity to healthy tissues, nanomaterials like liposomes, dendrimers, and solid lipid nanoparticles have emerged as a potential platform for drug delivery. The use of mercaptopurine-based nanomaterials, including their use with liposomes, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles, is discussed in several studies reviewed in the piece. This review provides researchers with the latest progress on 6-mercaptopurine loaded nanocarriers and the novel approach of utilizing nanomaterials for targeted delivery of Mercaptopurine in cancer therapy which show great potential as an advanced tool for cancer therapy compared to classic mercaptopurine drug.